Hay fever could hit people with pet allergies hardest

Allergy specialists are warning that hay fever season is about to begin and it could be hardest on people with pet allergies.

The season usually starts in mid-August. Research in the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's scientific journal reveals new findings about hay fever.

The condition is an allergy to ragweed, which blooms in late summer. Researchers have found that it seems worse in people who also have allergies to dogs, cats and dust mites.

Neil Kao chairs a committee for the Arlington Heights-based group. He said people with those year-round allergies often find hay fever season easier to endure if they're taking their usual allergy medicine.